Dear Cheryl, I'm morbidly obese. I choose to stay home. I'm depressed and on medication. My great friends try to get me out, but walking and breathing are so hard for me. They don't understand. I feel like a burden to them and can't seem to enjoy going out.

When I do go, I worry about fitting into a seat in a restaurant or a movie theater and wonder if it will hold me. In restaurants, the skinny hostesses try to seat me in a booth. That's embarrassing. I have to ask for a table.

Some stores have motorized shopping carts. When they do, I use them. I get strange looks from some people.

I take care of myself. I keep clean and do what I can. I live alone except for my cat. I lost my parents whom I depended upon for financial support since I can't work.

Dating sites are out for me. I don't need a man to survive the way most women do. Of course, I would love to have a great man someday. One who understands me and loves me whether I'm skinny or heavy.

Some men are sweet at first, but after they marry you, they do a 180 and beat you or verbally abuse you or run around with other women.

Now, don't get me wrong. If a man was raised right, he'll treat you with respect and love. I'm a Christian lady and I believe that God will send me somebody when I'm ready for him. I just hope that one day I'll be ready. —BIG AND LONELY

Dear BIG AND LONELY, It seems like you're expecting God to do all the work. What are you doing to get ready?

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